Lesson 2 - Effective Communication and Teamwork
Mastering Team Communication and Strategic Collaboration
•Year 6
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can effective communication and listening transform our ability to work as a team?
Learning Objectives
- To work effectively with others through clear communication and active listening
- To respect and value the opinions and contributions of teammates
- To demonstrate leadership skills while supporting team objectives
Key Outcomes
- Students will communicate effectively during team challenges, using clear verbal and non-verbal communication
- Students will demonstrate active listening skills by responding appropriately to teammates' suggestions
- Students will show respect for others' opinions and contributions during collaborative activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity area
Alternative: Large rope circles or cones in circles
Tied into circles for group activities
Alternative: Skipping ropes tied into circles
Stored in container near main activity area
Alternative: Beach balls or foam balls
Available at relay starting area
Alternative: Pool noodles cut in half or rolled newspapers
Keep in safe storage, only use with supervision
Alternative: Stretchy resistance bands or wide fabric strips
For marking boundaries and obstacles
Alternative: Markers or bean bags
Key Vocabulary
Exchanging information, ideas, and feelings clearly and effectively with others
Fully concentrating on what someone is saying and responding appropriately
Working together effectively towards a common goal
Guiding and inspiring others while working towards team objectives
Valuing and considering others' opinions, feelings, and contributions
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of following instructions
- Experience working in pairs and small groups
- Knowledge of simple teamwork principles
Current Skills
- Effective verbal and non-verbal communication
- Active listening and responding appropriately
- Leadership and coaching skills in team situations
Next Steps
- Leading complex team challenges with multiple variables
- Facilitating group discussions and decision-making
- Mentoring younger students in teamwork skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Effective teamwork depends on clear communication and active listening from all team members
- Trust-building activities require patience, controlled movements, and constant verbal coordination
- Leadership can be shown through encouragement and support, not just giving directions
- Successful teams adapt their communication style to match the challenge and their partner's needs
- Persistence and problem-solving together are more important than achieving every challenge perfectly
- Every team member's contribution is valuable, regardless of physical ability or confidence level
- Safe, controlled movements enable better coordination than rushing or forcing outcomes
Common Misconceptions
- That faster movement equals better teamwork - actually, controlled coordination is more effective
- That one person should lead all the time - successful teams share leadership based on strengths
- That completing every challenge perfectly is the goal - the learning happens in the process of trying together
- That physical strength matters most - communication and strategy are usually more important than strength
- That teams should work in silence to concentrate - actually, constant communication improves coordination significantly
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, provide clear, immediate feedback, assign specific roles to maintain focus and engagement
dyspraxia
- Break complex movements into smaller steps, allow extra practice time for coordination, provide physical guidance and support when needed
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of activities, allow preparation time for physical contact activities, offer alternative participation methods for overwhelming challenges
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of all activities, assign sighted partners for guidance and support
hearing impairment
- Demonstrate all instructions visually, use visual signals and gestures, ensure students can see teacher and partner faces for lip-reading
physical disability
- Modify coordination activities for wheelchair users, provide seated versions of standing activities, adapt equipment grip and size as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Developing precise vocabulary for giving instructions, practicing clear communication and active listening skills
Maths
Measuring rope lengths, calculating areas for group activities, timing challenges and recording improvement data
Science
Understanding forces and balance during coordination exercises, exploring concepts of pressure and support in trust activities
PSHE
Building empathy and understanding, developing leadership skills, learning about trust and mutual respect in relationships
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move continuously around the space to observe all pairs and groups, positioning for maximum visibility during trust-based activities
Observation Focus
Watch for effective communication strategies, mutual support behaviours, and appropriate physical safety during coordination challenges
Intervention Points
Step in if communication breaks down, safety is compromised, or students become frustrated with challenging activities
Demonstration Notes
Model excellent communication constantly, show how to modify activities for different abilities, demonstrate problem-solving when activities become challenging
Verbal Cues
- •'Talk to each other - what do you need to communicate?'
- •'Safety first - controlled movements only'
- •'Celebrate the process, not just the outcome'
- •'What communication strategy helped that team succeed?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or outdoor area minimum 20m x 15m with clear boundaries and adequate space between groups
Surface Check
Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, debris, or hazards that could cause trips or falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check hoops for cracks or sharp edges before use
- •Ensure ropes are in good condition without fraying
- •Balloons should be appropriately inflated - not over-inflated to prevent bursting
- •Foam batons must be soft and free from damage
- •Cling film should be used minimally and removed immediately if any student feels uncomfortable
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between pairs during movement activities
- •Falls during back-to-back standing or coordination challenges
- •Overexertion during trust-based exercises
- •Anxiety or discomfort during close-contact activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between groups at all times
- •Constant supervision during trust-based and coordination activities
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex challenges
- •Emphasis on controlled movements and communication before speed
- •Alternative participation options for students uncomfortable with physical contact
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all pairs during trust exercises
- •Monitor closely during cling film activities for any signs of discomfort
- •Watch for appropriate challenge levels - modify if safety is compromised
- •Ensure student leaders give safe, appropriate instructions
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if any student shows distress, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, and have alternative activities ready for affected students